A YOUNG mum has been chosen to represent the Labour constituency of Newcastle North at the next General Election.

Mum-of-two Catherine McKinnell, 33, has been selected by Labour Party members in the constituency to be their candidate following the retirement of Doug Henderson MP.

Newcastle solicitor Catherine was born in Denton and grew up in the West End of Newcastle, attending a comprehensive school in Fenham before graduating from Edinburgh University.

She currently works for a large Newcastle Law Firm specialising in employment law.

Mr Henderson announced in July that he would be stepping down from Parliament next year after 23 years.

The 60-year-old, a Europe and Defence minister in Tony Blair’s administration, said he believed it was time for “a younger person with more energy and vitality” to fight his seat.

Mr Henderson is a close ally of Gordon Brown and said he had informed the Prime Minister last summer of his intention to step down.

Catherine McKinnell said: “It’s a huge honour to have been chosen to contest Newcastle North.

“I was born and brought up in Newcastle and I’ve continued to live here. “It’s home for my family. As a working mum, I know how challenging life is for families across the city at the moment. “I’ve also seen the real improvements Labour has made in the public services such as the NHS and schools.

“We live in a great city but I know things can be better and if elected I will work every day to help improve the lives of ordinary families.”

Linda Wright, Chair of Newcastle North Constituency Labour Party, said: “Catherine will be an exceptional candidate and we’ll be campaigning hard between now and the General Election to make her the new MP for Newcastle North.

“She will bring real life experience to Westminster and will fight for fairness for everyone in Newcastle.

“For too long, we’ve been let down by the Lib Dem council who aren’t giving the people of North Newcastle a fair deal. As someone who actually lives in the constituency, Catherine will be a strong voice for the area.”